Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 1.308
Filter
1.
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol ; 41(2): 286-292, 2020 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32001447

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Delayed leukoencephalopathy is a rare complication that occurs after endovascular coiling of cerebral aneurysms. We aimed to describe a clinical picture of delayed leukoencephalopathy and explore potential associations with procedural characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We considered endovascular coiling procedures for cerebral aneurysms performed between January 2006 and December 2017 in our institution with follow-up MRIs. We used logistic regression models to estimate the ORs of delayed leukoencephalopathy for each procedural characteristic. RESULTS: We reviewed 1754 endovascular coiling procedures of 1594 aneurysms. Sixteen of 1722 (0.9%) procedures demonstrated delayed leukoencephalopathy on follow-up FLAIR MR imaging examinations after a median period of 71.5 days (interquartile range, 30-101 days) in the form of high-signal changes in the white matter at locations remote from the coil mass. Seven patients had headaches or hemiparesis, and 9 patients were asymptomatic. All imaging-associated changes improved subsequently. We found indications suggesting an association between delayed leukoencephalopathy and the number of microcatheters used per procedure (P = .009), along with indications suggesting that these procedures required larger median volumes of contrast medium (225 versus 175 mL, OR = 5.5, P = .008) as well as a longer median fluoroscopy duration (123.6 versus 99.3 minutes, OR = 3.0, P = .06). Our data did not suggest that delayed leukoencephalopathy was associated with the number of coils (P = .57), microguidewires (P = .35), and guiding systems (P = .57). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed leukoencephalopathy after coiling of cerebral aneurysms may have multiple etiologies such as foreign body emboli, contrast-induced encephalopathy, or hypersensitivity reaction to foreign bodies.


Subject(s)
Endovascular Procedures/adverse effects , Endovascular Procedures/methods , Intracranial Aneurysm/surgery , Leukoencephalopathies/etiology , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Adult , Aged , Endovascular Procedures/instrumentation , Female , Humans , Incidence , Leukoencephalopathies/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Stents , Treatment Outcome
2.
Transplant Proc ; 50(9): 2839-2841, 2018 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30401408

ABSTRACT

Pigs have recently become very popular for use not only in xenotransplantation field, but in regeneration studies as well, sometimes with pigs being used as the scaffold. We have already presented our findings related to the pig immune system against human cells, including the complement systems, natural antibodies (NAs), and NK cells. In this study, we investigated the pig innate immunological reaction against human cells further. Our investigations included issues such as the production of NAs in newborns, day 0 and day 1, and sow colostrum. The alternative pathway for pig complement reacted with human cells, and pig NK cells and macrophages directly injured human aortic endothelial cells. Pig serum clearly contains the natural antibodies IgG and IgM to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Pig plasma from day 1 newborns contained almost the same levels of these natural antibodies to human PBMCs as those of sow plasma. On the other hand, pig plasma from day 0 newborns did not contain IgG and IgM to human PBMCs. In addition, sow colostrum clearly contained both IgG and IgM to human PBMCs. As expected, the pig innate immunity system reacted to human cells, including natural antibodies. However, the NAs of pigs, both IgM and IgG, against human cells do not exist in pig serum at day 0, but at day 1 and in mother's milk, indicating that NAs in newborns did not come from the placenta but from sow colostrum.


Subject(s)
Colostrum/immunology , Immunity, Innate/immunology , Swine/immunology , Transplantation Immunology/immunology , Transplantation, Heterologous , Animals , Animals, Newborn , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Immunoglobulin M/immunology , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology , Pregnancy
3.
J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs ; 24(8): 638-647, 2017 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28840659

ABSTRACT

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There is a developing body of research on violence in healthcare workplaces. Although psychiatric visiting nurses (PVNs) are an important group of professionals who provide medical services for people with mental disorders live in the community, little is known about the experiences and characteristics of violence exposure among PVNs, or the characteristics and work situations of PVNs related to violence exposure. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Approximately 40% of participants were exposed to violence during the previous 12 months; approximately 50% had been exposed during their PVN careers in PVN settings. The most frequent violence was verbal abuse. Longer career length as a PVN and greater number of visits per month were both positively associated with verbal abuse during the previous 12 months. Twenty-eight of the 34 participants (83%) who completed the IES-R-J survey had some residual psychological distress, and two (6%) had a potentially high risk of posttraumatic stress disorder. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: In devising policies and strategies against violence, PVN organizations and administrators should consider the characteristics of the violence, especially verbal abuse, as well as the characteristics and work situations of PVNs that are related to verbal abuse. Furthermore, they might provide relevant information on violence in PVN settings within their violence-prevention manuals or education. It would be important to provide support and to construct a safe workplace environment for PVNs who are experiencing residual psychological distress. ABSTRACT: Introduction Psychiatric visiting nurses (PVNs) play a crucial role by providing medical services for community-living individuals with mental disorders in Japan. However, little is known about violence towards PVNs. Aim This cross-sectional study investigated violence during visits and the resulting psychological effects for PVNs. Methods PVNs were assessed using a violence exposure questionnaire and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-J); a measure of posttraumatic distress. Result Thirty-eight (41%) of 94 participants had experienced violence during the previous 12 months and 49 (53%) over their entire career. The most frequent violence was verbal abuse. Career length as a PVN and number of visits per month were significantly positively associated with verbal abuse during the previous 12 months. The IES-R-J scores indicated 28 of the 34 participants who completed the questionnaire exhibited psychological distress for the most traumatic violence during their career and two had a potentially high risk of posttraumatic stress disorder. Discussion and Implications Policies and strategies aimed at reducing violence in PVN settings should be developed according to characteristics of the violence, as well as the characteristics and work situation of PVNs. Furthermore, the provision of support and a safe workplace environment would be important for PVNs with residual psychological distress.


Subject(s)
Exposure to Violence/statistics & numerical data , Nurses, Community Health/statistics & numerical data , Psychiatric Nursing/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Japan/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged
4.
Br Poult Sci ; 58(3): 305-311, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28090781

ABSTRACT

1. The purpose of the present study was to determine if central interleukin-1ß (IL1ß), interleukin-6 (IL6) and interleukin-8 (IL8) affect feeding behaviour in chicks (Gallus gallus) and examine if central interleukins are related to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anorexia. 2. Intra-abdominal (IA) injection of LPS significantly suppressed feeding behaviour and significantly increased mRNA expression of IL1ß and IL8 in the diencephalon when compared to the control group, while IL6 tended to be increased. 3. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of 200 ng IL1ß significantly decreased food intake at 60 min after the injection while IL6 and IL8 had no effect. 4. IA injection of these ILs (200 ng) had no effect on food intake in chicks. 5. ICV injection of 200 ng IL1ß did not affect water intake and plasma corticosterone concentration, suggesting that central IL1ß might not be related to the regulation of drinking behaviour and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. 6. The present study demonstrated that central IL1ß but not IL6 and IL8 might be related to the inhibition of feeding in chicks.


Subject(s)
Chickens/physiology , Feeding Behavior/drug effects , Gene Expression , Interleukin-1beta/metabolism , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Interleukin-8/metabolism , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , Animals , Corticosterone/blood , Diencephalon/metabolism , Drinking Behavior/drug effects , Infusions, Intraventricular , Male , Organ Specificity , RNA, Messenger/metabolism
5.
Transplant Proc ; 49(1): 135-138, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28104121

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with intestinal failure (IF) are candidates for intestinal transplantation (ITx). In Japan, these patients have few opportunities to undergo cadaveric ITx because of low rates of organ donation. The donor criteria and recipient priority for ITx are still unknown. We reviewed our cases of IF to investigate which patients should be prioritized for ITx. METHODS: Patients with IF who were registered as candidates for cadaveric ITx between January 2010 and November 2015 in our institute were included in this retrospective study. Their data were gathered from their charts and analyzed. RESULTS: Five patients were included. Their primary diseases included total colon aganglionosis (n = 1), chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome (n = 2), superior mesenteric vein embolization (n = 1), and graft loss after ITx (n = 1). Two patients died of liver failure (LF) during the waiting period. The remaining three are now alive and waiting for transplantation. The lengths of the remaining intestine were more than 20 cm in living cases but less than 20 cm in fatal cases. In the fatal cases, they had several episodes of catheter-related blood stream infection, which caused LF and acute renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two patients with less than 20 cm residual small bowel who died after acute deterioration of liver function. Patients with ultra-short bowel could have a higher risk of LF. Therefore, they should be referred as soon as possible to a specialized hospital where ITx is a choice of treatment for IF.


Subject(s)
Intestine, Small/transplantation , Liver Failure/epidemiology , Liver Failure/etiology , Short Bowel Syndrome/complications , Waiting Lists , Adult , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Japan , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Short Bowel Syndrome/mortality , Treatment Outcome
6.
Acta Physiol (Oxf) ; 219(4): 781-789, 2017 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27332749

ABSTRACT

AIM: Progranulin (PGRN) is a novel adipocytokine with anti-inflammatory effects in vascular cells. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of PGRN on reactivity of isolated blood vessel. METHODS: Isometric contraction of rat isolated superior mesenteric artery was measured. RESULTS: Pre-treatment with PGRN (10-100 ng mL-1 , 30 min) had no effect on noradrenaline- or 5-hydroxytriptamine-induced contraction. On the other hand, pre-treatment with PGRN (100 ng mL-1 ) augmented acetylcholine (ACh; 30 nm)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation. Pre-treatment with PGRN (100 ng mL-1 ) augmented ACh (10 µm)-induced nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation in the presence of indomethacin (10 µm), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and tetraethyl ammonium (10 mm), a non-selective potassium channel blocker. In contrast, pre-treatment with PGRN (100 ng mL-1 ) had no effect on ACh-induced endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxation. Pre-treatment with PGRN (100 ng mL-1 ) had no effect on ACh (10 µm, 1 min)-induced endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation (at Ser1177) as determined by Western blotting. Pre-treatment with PGRN (100 ng mL-1 ) augmented an NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 30 nm-1 µm)- but not a membrane-permeable cGMP analogue, 8-bromo-cGMP-induced relaxation. In the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (100 µm), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, pre-treatment with PGRN (100 ng mL-1 ) increased SNP (30 nm, 5 min)-induced cGMP production as determined by enzyme immunoassay. CONCLUSION: We for the first time demonstrate that PGRN augments ACh-induced NO-mediated relaxation through the increases of cGMP production in smooth muscle. These results indicate PGRN as a possible pharmacotherapeutic target against cardiovascular diseases including obesity-related hypertension.


Subject(s)
Cyclic GMP/biosynthesis , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/pharmacology , Mesenteric Arteries/metabolism , Vasodilation/drug effects , Acetylcholine/pharmacology , Adipokines/metabolism , Animals , Blotting, Western , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Male , Mesenteric Arteries/drug effects , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Organ Culture Techniques , Progranulins , Rats , Rats, Wistar
7.
Cancer Gene Ther ; 23(5): 133-41, 2016 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27080222

ABSTRACT

Vasohibin-1 (VASH1) was isolated as a negative-feedback regulator of angiogenesis expressed in endothelial cells (ECs). There are two transcripts of VASH1, that is, the full-length VASH1A consisting of seven exons and the splicing variant VASH1B consisting of four exons. Here, we compared the effects of VASH1A and VASH1B on tumor angiogenesis. When ECs were transfected with VASH1A or VASH1B cDNAs, VASH1B transfectants, but not VASH1A ones, induced autophagic cell death of ECs. With sonoporation, the VASH1A or VASH1B gene were transfected specifically in ECs of tumor vessels in mice. Both VASH1A and VASH1B decreased tumor vessel density and inhibited tumor growth. VASH1A normalized the remaining tumor vessels, increased their rate of perfusion, decreased tumor hypoxia and enhanced the efficacy of anticancer chemotherapy, whereas VASH1B pruned tumor vessels without causing normalization, increased tumor hypoxia and tumor necrosis and did not enhance the efficacy of anticancer chemotherapy. The alternate transfection of mice with the VASH1A and VASH1B gene showed the highest effects on antitumor activity and normalization of tumor vessels. Our present findings on VASH1A and VASH1B should provide an innovative approach that would improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic cancer therapy by balancing vascular normalization and pruning.


Subject(s)
Alternative Splicing , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/pathology , Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Autophagy , Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cell Survival/genetics , Cisplatin/pharmacology , Gene Expression , Gene Transfer Techniques , Genes, Reporter , Humans , Mice , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism , Tumor Burden/drug effects , Tumor Burden/genetics
8.
Org Biomol Chem ; 14(5): 1555-8, 2016 Feb 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26739866

ABSTRACT

We prepared an oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) bearing two 4-hydroxy-2-mercaptobenzimidazole nucleobase analogues (SB(NV) and SB(NB)) modified with different photolabile groups. This ODN enabled a light-triggered strand exchange reaction in a wavelength-selective manner.


Subject(s)
Light , Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/chemical synthesis , Molecular Structure , Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/chemistry
9.
Am J Transplant ; 15(6): 1531-42, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25846610

ABSTRACT

Recent basic and clinical studies have assessed the use of highly sensitive imaging modalities for visualizing transplanted islets. We investigated the utility of enhanced ultrasonography, combined with fluorescent acoustic liposome nano/microbubbles (FALs), for evaluating angiogenesis and the endocrine function of transplanted islets. BALB/c mice were classified into three groups: Diabetic mice that underwent syngeneic islet transplantation into the subrenal capsule and achieved normoglycemia (Tx group); those that failed to achieve normoglycemia (Tx-DM group); and those not receiving any treatment (DM group). Mice were examined by FAL-enhanced high frequency ultrasonography. The echogenicity of the islets increased rapidly within the first minute after injection of FALs and remained at a higher level in the Tx group, while small increases were observed in the other two groups. In histological assessments, fluorescently stained erythrocytes could be seen in and around the transplanted islets, indicating that the transplanted islets were enhanced by infusion of FALs via vessel networks between the engrafted islets and tissue. Furthermore, the echogenicity correlated significantly with endocrine parameters, including blood glucose (BG), serum insulin, and the BG change in the glucose tolerance test. In conclusion, the echogenicity of the islets under FAS-enhanced ultrasonosonography correlated with the endocrine status of transplanted islets.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/surgery , Islets of Langerhans Transplantation/diagnostic imaging , Islets of Langerhans/diagnostic imaging , Microbubbles , Ultrasonography/methods , Animals , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced , Disease Models, Animal , Insulin/blood , Islets of Langerhans/blood supply , Islets of Langerhans/physiology , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology , Streptozocin/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome
10.
Ultrasonics ; 55: 1-5, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25130135

ABSTRACT

Sonoporation has the potential to deliver extraneous molecules into a target tissue non-invasively. There have been numerous investigations of cell membrane permeabilization induced by microbubbles, but very few studies have been carried out to investigate sonoporation by inertial cavitation, especially from a temporal perspective. In the present paper, we show the temporal variations in nano/micro-pit formations following the collapse of inertial cavitation bubbles, with and without Sonazoid® microbubbles. Using agarose S gel as a target material, erosion experiments were conducted in the presence of 1-MHz focused ultrasound applied for various exposure times, Tex (0.002-60 s). Conventional microscopy was used to measure temporal variations in micrometer-scale pit numbers, and atomic force microscopy utilized to detect surface roughness on a nanometer scale. The results demonstrated that nanometer-scale erosion was predominantly caused by Sonazoid® microbubbles and C4F10 gas bubbles for 0.002 s

Subject(s)
Gels , Microbubbles , Sepharose , Ultrasonics , Cell Membrane , Sonication , Surface Properties
11.
Herz ; 37(8): 822-9, 2012 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23223770

ABSTRACT

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy (F-DCM) describes a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of diseases, mostly inherited as autosomal dominant traits, having idiopathic left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction as a common phenotype. The age of onset, rate of progression, disease complications, as well as overall prognosis and outcome vary both amongst and within families. Clinical traits, both cardiac and extracardiac, may recur in association with the DCM phenotype. The former include conduction defects, structural abnormalities such as left ventricular noncompaction, of right ventricular involvement, and recurrence of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias; the latter commonly affect the musculoskeletal (myopathies/dystrophies, both clinically overt and subclinical), ocular, auditory, nervous, and integument systems. These traits may help guide genetic testing. In parallel to the clinical heterogeneity, F-DCM also shows genetic heterogeneity: more than 40 genes have been causally linked to F-DCM, with mutations recurring more commonly in a few known genes, and less frequently in rare, less commonly known genes. Based on the known prevalence of mutations in disease genes, more than 50% of F-DCM cases can be regarded as still genetically orphan, implying that further disease genes have to be discovered. Family screening and genetic testing are now established as the gold standard for diagnosis, care, and prevention in F-DCM. Diagnostic tests are performed using Sanger-based sequencing. Furthermore, new biotechnology tools, based on next-generation sequencing, are now being implemented in the research setting and will dramatically modify the future of the nosology of F-DCM.


Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/diagnosis , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Genetic Testing/methods , Heart Failure/diagnosis , Heart Failure/genetics , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/diagnosis , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/genetics , Humans
12.
Cell Death Differ ; 19(11): 1856-69, 2012 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22790873

ABSTRACT

Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, which inhibit the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, are involved in the survival of various hematopoietic lineages and are often dysregulated in hematopoietic malignancies. However, their involvement in the megakaryocytic lineage is not well understood. In the present paper, we describe the crucial anti-apoptotic role of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL in this lineage at multistages. The megakaryocytic lineage-specific deletion of both, in sharp contrast to only one of them, caused apoptotic loss of mature megakaryocytes in the fetal liver and systemic hemorrhage, leading to embryonic lethality. ABT-737, a Bcl-xL/Bcl-2/Bcl-w inhibitor, only caused thrombocytopenia in adult wild-type mice, but further induced massive mature megakaryocyte apoptosis in the Mcl-1 knockout mice, leading to severe hemorrhagic anemia. All these phenotypes were fully restored if Bak and Bax, downstream apoptosis executioners, were also deficient. In-vitro study revealed that the Jak pathway maintained Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL expression levels, preventing megakaryoblastic cell apoptosis. Similarly, both were involved in reticulated platelet survival, whereas platelet survival was dependent on Bcl-xL due to rapid proteasomal degradation of Mcl-1. In conclusion, Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL regulate the survival of the megakaryocytic lineage, which is critically important for preventing lethal or severe hemorrhage in both developing and adult mice.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Megakaryocytes/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism , bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein/metabolism , bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism , bcl-X Protein/metabolism , Animals , Biphenyl Compounds/pharmacology , Cell Line , Cell Lineage , Humans , Janus Kinases/metabolism , Megakaryocytes/drug effects , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein , Nitrophenols/pharmacology , Piperazines/pharmacology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/deficiency , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics , Signal Transduction , Sulfonamides/pharmacology , bcl-X Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
13.
Oncogene ; 31(6): 787-798, 2012 Feb 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21725355

ABSTRACT

Several lines of evidence suggest that aberrant Notch signaling contributes to the development of several types of cancer. Activation of Notch receptor is executed through intramembrane proteolysis by γ-secretase, which is a multimeric membrane-embedded protease comprised of presenilin, nicastrin (NCT), anterior pharynx defective 1 and PEN-2. In this study, we report the neutralization of the γ-secretase activity by a novel monoclonal antibody A5226A against the extracellular domain of NCT, generated by using a recombinant budded baculovirus as an immunogen. This antibody recognized fully glycosylated mature NCT in the active γ-secretase complex on the cell surface, and inhibited the γ-secretase activity by competing with the substrate binding in vitro. Moreover, A5226A abolished the γ-secretase activity-dependent growth of cancer cells in a xenograft model. Our data provide compelling evidence that NCT is a molecular target for the mechanism-based inhibition of γ-secretase, and that targeting NCT might be a novel therapeutic strategy against cancer caused by aberrant γ-secretase activity and Notch signaling.


Subject(s)
Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/immunology , Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology , Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/genetics , Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism , Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal/metabolism , Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/metabolism , Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology , Antibody Specificity/immunology , Biocatalysis/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , HEK293 Cells , HeLa Cells , Humans , Immunoblotting , Male , Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics , Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Knockout , Mice, SCID , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Neutralization Tests , Protein Binding/drug effects , Tumor Burden/drug effects , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
14.
Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys ; 83(6 Pt 1): 061111, 2011 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21797306

ABSTRACT

We extend the stochastic energetics to a relativistic system. The thermodynamic laws and equipartition theorem are discussed for a relativistic Brownian particle and the first and the second law of thermodynamics in this formalism are derived. The relation between the relativistic equipartition relation and the rate of heat transfer is discussed in the relativistic case together with the nature of the noise term.

15.
Phys Rev Lett ; 103(5): 052301, 2009 Jul 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19792491

ABSTRACT

The shear viscosity coefficient and the corresponding relaxation time for causal dissipative hydrodynamics are calculated based on the microscopic formula proposed in T. Koide and T. Kodama [Phys. Rev. E 78, 051107 (2008)10.1103/PhysRevE.78.051107]. Here, the exact formula is transformed into a more compact form and applied to evaluate these transport coefficients in the chiral perturbation theory and perturbative QCD. It is shown that in the leading order calculation, the causal shear viscosity coefficient eta reduces to that of the ordinary Green-Kubo-Nakano formula, and the relaxation time tau(pi) is related to eta and pressure P by a simple relationship, tau(pi)=eta/P.

16.
J Dent Res ; 88(11): 1008-13, 2009 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19828888

ABSTRACT

A non-viral gene delivery approach with nano/microbubbles and ultrasound offers opportunities for targeting soft tissues for gene therapy. The periodontium is a complex structure comprised of hard (cementum, alveolar bone) and soft tissues (periodontal ligament, gingivae). We hypothesized that our established gene delivery method would allow the periodontal tissue to be targeted for transfection for gene therapy. Expression kinetics and sites of transfection sites with this approach were investigated in rat periodontal tissue. Bioluminescence imaging revealed that transient gene expression was induced at day 1 posttransfection, while confocal microscopy showed that gene expression was localized in the muscle cells of gingival tissues. These findings indicate that regular transfection with this approach results in high gene expression, facilitating gene therapy for periodontal disease involving alveolar bone resorption.


Subject(s)
Gene Transfer Techniques , Microbubbles , Nanostructures , Periodontium/metabolism , Ultrasonics , Animals , Fluorescent Dyes , Gene Expression Regulation , Gene Transfer Techniques/instrumentation , Genes, Reporter , Genetic Therapy , Genetic Vectors , Gingiva/metabolism , Green Fluorescent Proteins , Luciferases, Firefly , Luminescence , Luminescent Agents , Male , Microscopy, Confocal , Muscle Cells/metabolism , Periodontal Diseases/therapy , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Simian virus 40/genetics , Time Factors , Transfection
17.
Euro Surveill ; 14(35)2009 Sep 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19728982

ABSTRACT

This report describes the assessment of the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the effectiveness of post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis among household contacts in the first domestic outbreak of a novel influenza A(H1N1)v between mid-May and early June 2009 in Kobe city, Japan. Of the 293 subjects, 14 (4.8%) household contacts met the case definition and most secondary cases were probably infected around the time of symptom onset date of the respective index case. The SAR among household contacts who did not receive prophylaxis was 7.6%, similar to the rate of seasonal influenza, and the attack rate in siblings was significantly higher than that in parents. We conclude that it is important to establish routine infection control measures for households in order to prevent the spread of the virus among household contacts and, possibly, to the community. We could not conclude whether antiviral prophylaxis was effective or not. However, among close contacts with underlying disease who received prophylaxis, nobody developed a severe form of the disease.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/immunology , Disease Outbreaks , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Orthomyxoviridae Infections , Post-Exposure Prophylaxis/standards , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Japan/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
18.
Clin Exp Allergy ; 39(9): 1330-7, 2009 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19438587

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Active cigarette smoking has detrimental effects on asthma morbidity and severity. Angiopoietin-1 has been shown to protect the microvessels against plasma leakage, whereas angiopoietin-2 enhances vascular permeability and subsequently induces airway mucosal oedema. Therefore, it is recently thought that angiopoietin-2 may contribute to the pathophysiology of asthma. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether angiopoietin-2 levels in the airways are associated with clinical profiles in smoking asthmatics. METHODS: We measured angiopoietin-1 and -2 levels in induced sputum in 35 normal controls (18 non-smokers and 17 smokers) and 49 asthmatics (24 non-smokers and 25 smokers) before and after inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP: 800 microg/day) therapy for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Angiopoietin-1 and -2 levels in induced sputum were significantly higher in asthmatics than in normal controls. Moreover, angiopoietin-2 levels were significantly higher in smoking asthmatics than in non-smoking asthmatics (P=0.0001). The airway vascular permeability index was also higher in smoking asthmatics than in non-smoking asthmatics. Moreover, the angiopoietin-2 level was positively correlated with the airway vascular permeability index (non-smoking asthmatics: r=0.87, P<0.001, smoking asthmatics: r=0.64, P=0.002). After BDP therapy, angiopoietin-1 levels were significantly decreased in non-smoking asthmatics, smoking-cessation asthmatics, and active-smoking asthmatics. In contrast, angiopoietin-2 levels did not differ from before to after BDP therapy in non-smoking asthmatics and active-smoking asthmatics. However, its levels were significantly decreased from before to after BDP therapy in smoking-cessation asthmatics (P=0.002). Although forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC) before BDP therapy was comparable in all subgroups, this parameter after BDP therapy was significantly lower in active-smoking asthmatics than in non-smoking and smoking-cessation asthmatics. Moreover, the reduction in angiopoietin-2 levels after BDP therapy in smoking-cessation asthmatics was significantly correlated with an improvement in FEV(1)/FVC. CONCLUSION: Angiopoietin-2 levels were elevated in the airways of smoking asthmatics, and its levels were associated with impaired airway responses.


Subject(s)
Angiopoietin-2/metabolism , Asthma/metabolism , Smoking/metabolism , Sputum/metabolism , Adult , Angiopoietin-1/analysis , Angiopoietin-1/metabolism , Angiopoietin-2/analysis , Anti-Asthmatic Agents/administration & dosage , Asthma/drug therapy , Asthma/physiopathology , Beclomethasone/administration & dosage , Capillary Permeability/drug effects , Edema/drug therapy , Edema/metabolism , Edema/physiopathology , Female , Forced Expiratory Volume/drug effects , Humans , Male , Respiratory Mucosa/metabolism , Respiratory Mucosa/physiopathology , Smoking/physiopathology , Smoking Cessation
19.
Xenobiotica ; 39(2): 125-34, 2009 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19255938

ABSTRACT

1. The study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of thrombomodulin alpha (TM-alpha), human-soluble thrombomodulin in rats. 2. Intravenously administered TM-alpha was eliminated in two phases (T(1/2 alpha) = 0.2-0.3 h and T(1/2 beta) = 6-8 h), and the elimination curve was linear in a dose range of 10-250 microg kg(-1). Based on the results of tissue concentration studies after reaching the steady-state, the highest concentration of TM-alpha was seen in the plasma, suggesting the low levels of transfer to tissues (< or = 22% of plasma levels). 3. In vivo metabolism of TM-alpha was also analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The main peak observed in the plasma was TM-alpha, and even 72 h after the last dose of repeated administrations, 80% or more was unchanged form. Approximately half of the radioactivity excreted in the urine was recovered as a peak corresponding to TM-alpha. 4. The results reveal that although plasma clearance was lower in the renally impaired rats, the decrease was not large, with a difference of only about 20%. As a result, although the cause remains unclear, it is considered unlikely that the plasma concentrations of TM-alpha will vary considerably in patients with renal impairment.


Subject(s)
Kidney/metabolism , Recombinant Proteins/pharmacokinetics , Thrombomodulin/metabolism , Animals , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Humans , Injections, Intravenous , Kidney/pathology , Kidney/physiopathology , Kidney Diseases/chemically induced , Kidney Diseases/metabolism , Male , Protein Engineering , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Recombinant Proteins/blood , Recombinant Proteins/urine , Solubility , Thrombomodulin/chemistry , Thrombomodulin/genetics
20.
Phys Rev Lett ; 103(24): 242301, 2009 Dec 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20366198

ABSTRACT

The effects of fluctuating initial conditions are studied in the context of relativistic heavy ion collisions where a rapidly evolving system is formed. Two-particle correlation analysis is applied to events generated with the NEXSPHERIO hydrodynamic code, starting with fluctuating nonsmooth initial conditions (IC). The results show that the nonsmoothness in the IC survives the hydroevolution and can be seen as topological features of the angular correlation function of the particles emerging from the evolving system. A long range correlation is observed in the longitudinal direction and in the azimuthal direction a double peak structure is observed in the opposite direction to the trigger particle. This analysis provides clear evidence that these are signatures of the combined effect of tubular structures present in the IC and the proceeding collective dynamics of the hot and dense medium.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...